I wanted to take a few minutes to just stop and reflect on last year and where I am now...
2009 was a great year for me. I entered the start of last year putting the mess that was 2008 behind me, and was determined to make 09 better. I think that outlook really drove the rest of the year for me. In 2009 I:
Got into the teaching groove:
I made it through my first year as a teacher, which was a remarkable feat. I entered year two of teaching feeling prepared and in control, a drastic shift from the year before.
Stayed healthy:
After wallowing in self-pity for the end of 08, I made a drastic shift in 09 and focused on taking care of myself. This meant that in the springtime, I worked out at least 3 days a week for the most part. It also meant that I focused my summer decisions on myself and my health. Although I still got some crazy ear thing (cough cough, shingles) in March, I took care of myself in 2009.
Let it Be:
In January 09, I let go of trying to make everything happen the way I wanted it to when I wanted it to. I basically had to say: this is the situation, let it be. And it worked. I was a much happier person for it. I also learned to be by myself, which is hard for me since I usually make such an effort to surround myself with the people I love. Doing this was the best decision ever, because eventually, that stuff organically reappears in your life if you don't force it.
Took a trip:
I rewarded myself thoroughly for the craziness of making it through my first year teaching with a well-deserved trip to COSTA RICA. My surfing and yoga month was an experience I will never forget. It was just what I needed.
Bonded:
The last important highlight for 2009 was the fact that I bonded with so many remarkable people, both from work and outside of work. Back to "letting it be," in doing that, I found myself surrounded with the people that I admire and respect, and with people that make me feel happy.
Now, in thinking about 2010, here are some areas of focus for me:
Staying healthy:
I need to re-focus on this now that the indulgences of the holidays are behind us. My goal is to work out at least 4 days a week and to run a 10 K before summertime.
Figure out my life:
Ha. If only I could do this in a year... anyway, I have such a love/hate relationship with teaching, and my mind is all over the place. I need to figure out where I can best contribute to the world at large and be happy doing it.
Take photos:
I am in the process of buying my first SLR, and I can't wait to take it out and about. I want to begin taking this a bit more seriously and really devoting some of my time to practicing and becoming better.
Travel:
While I already have one ticket under my belt for February (Dominican, YEAH!), I'd like to take about a month-long trip this summer. Some thoughts are either a Latin American Adventure (surprise surprise) OR a Morocco/Egypt escapade.
Don't Judge:
I am great at finding a group of people I love and respect and admire...I'm less good at accepting those that don't fall into that category. If you don't work hard, I judge. If you have different political views, I judge. If you sound stupid on a train, I judge. Am I a horrible person? Maybe. Am I being honest? Absolutely. I need to be better at not judging. Basically, I want to work on re-wiring my brain so that I'm more accepting of people I may not necessarily agree with.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Monday, January 04, 2010
Six weeks and counting...
The first day back at work after an idyllic winter break required a drastic purchase to maintain some semblance of sanity for the next six weeks:
Depart: | Philadelphia, PA |
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| Depart: | Sunday, February 21, 2010 | 11:30 AM | SDQ |
| Arrive: | Sunday, February 21, 2010 | 02:08 PM | PHL |
Thursday, October 29, 2009
MJ
There's a new generation of MJ fanatics, and one of them is in my classroom. Today, I saw her bust some unreal MJ dance moves in front of 300 plus people during a field trip to a hip hop performance.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Progressive education
We've taught you that the earth is round
That red and white make pink
And something else that matters more
We've taught you how to think
-Diffendoofer Day
My thoughts are a-brewing about next steps. Get excited, world.
That red and white make pink
And something else that matters more
We've taught you how to think
-Diffendoofer Day
My thoughts are a-brewing about next steps. Get excited, world.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Did I mention?
That my kids this year are brilliant? Oh, and this class of fifth graders also happens to be the Say Yes class, which means, among other things, they have college paid for to any university they choose to attend when they graduate from high school.
Rules we live by:
Work Hard. Love Learning. Respect our Community.
To set the tone for the class:
Day one:
Read Up the Learning Tree, a story about a slave boy who wasn't allowed to read and climbed a tree every day to learn to spy on a teacher's lessons and carved letters into the tree.
Day two:
Introduced these images of a bus school program in the slums of India.
Homework:
Draw connections between Henry in Up the Learning Tree and the students in India.
Start of Day Three:
Beautifully brilliant discussion about Henry and the students in India. Students started the discussion by talking about how grateful both Henry and the students in India were to just have the opportunity to learn and how they took advantage of any resources they had, even if they didn't have much to work with. They talked about how much they wanted to learn. They also talked about how the school in India had varying ages and that it must be hard to teach all those different ages on their correct levels. Then, we started talking about what this makes us think about the opportunities we have. The students talked about how lucky they were to have what they have and especially with Say Yes. Then, one girl said: We could start a program like Say Yes for the students in India! This sparked what one of my students called "an explosion of our minds!" Where literally every single student had their hands raised with ideas about what we could do to make the education experience for students in India and students around the world better. Their ideas included:
-Creating a Say Yes Program in India
-Building them a school
-Sending them our extra books and resources
-Building a classroom inside an RV for the students
-Creating a charity
-Going to India as a class and teaching the students what we know
-Bringing the students to our class for a year
-Creating a program for retired teachers to go teach in India
-Creating a program for teachers in the summer to go teach in India.
My mind was literally blown. They were such brilliant thinkers and social entrepreneurs I couldn't get over it! The beautiful thing is they were having a discussion in which they built off of each other's ideas and used accountable talk prompts like, "I agree with ____," or, "to add onto what ____" said....they were communicating better than 95% of adults communicate with one another. I kept telling them how floored I was with their ideas! I asked them how many of them were just in love with the conversation and all of their hands shot up, some shot both hands up. Some of them were having a hard time with the idea of "loving learning" on day 1. I told them that THIS is what loving learning feels like, and it was like a light bulb clicked in their heads. I asked if they were just in love with learning at that moment and again all hands shot up.
I could not ask for a better way to end week 1. What a beautiful thing to witness.
Rules we live by:
Work Hard. Love Learning. Respect our Community.
To set the tone for the class:
Day one:
Read Up the Learning Tree, a story about a slave boy who wasn't allowed to read and climbed a tree every day to learn to spy on a teacher's lessons and carved letters into the tree.
Day two:
Introduced these images of a bus school program in the slums of India.
Homework:
Draw connections between Henry in Up the Learning Tree and the students in India.
Start of Day Three:
Beautifully brilliant discussion about Henry and the students in India. Students started the discussion by talking about how grateful both Henry and the students in India were to just have the opportunity to learn and how they took advantage of any resources they had, even if they didn't have much to work with. They talked about how much they wanted to learn. They also talked about how the school in India had varying ages and that it must be hard to teach all those different ages on their correct levels. Then, we started talking about what this makes us think about the opportunities we have. The students talked about how lucky they were to have what they have and especially with Say Yes. Then, one girl said: We could start a program like Say Yes for the students in India! This sparked what one of my students called "an explosion of our minds!" Where literally every single student had their hands raised with ideas about what we could do to make the education experience for students in India and students around the world better. Their ideas included:
-Creating a Say Yes Program in India
-Building them a school
-Sending them our extra books and resources
-Building a classroom inside an RV for the students
-Creating a charity
-Going to India as a class and teaching the students what we know
-Bringing the students to our class for a year
-Creating a program for retired teachers to go teach in India
-Creating a program for teachers in the summer to go teach in India.
My mind was literally blown. They were such brilliant thinkers and social entrepreneurs I couldn't get over it! The beautiful thing is they were having a discussion in which they built off of each other's ideas and used accountable talk prompts like, "I agree with ____," or, "to add onto what ____" said....they were communicating better than 95% of adults communicate with one another. I kept telling them how floored I was with their ideas! I asked them how many of them were just in love with the conversation and all of their hands shot up, some shot both hands up. Some of them were having a hard time with the idea of "loving learning" on day 1. I told them that THIS is what loving learning feels like, and it was like a light bulb clicked in their heads. I asked if they were just in love with learning at that moment and again all hands shot up.
I could not ask for a better way to end week 1. What a beautiful thing to witness.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Making the classroom a happy place
Here is my classroom, eagerly awaiting 25 new faces to enter its doors tomorrow:
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Quick Blurb
There is a lot of ridiculousness happening right now, and all will be blogged shortly, but this I had to get down:
Every Tico I have spoken to has lied to me about their age. And the number of kids/wives/girlfriends they have.
Real suave guys.
Every Tico I have spoken to has lied to me about their age. And the number of kids/wives/girlfriends they have.
Real suave guys.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Surfing, Yoga, Pilates and five forties
Yesterday was a blissfully perfect day. It started off early with some surfing, and Gabby even got a little riskay and paddled out! I on the other hand, enjoyed some olas tranquílas in the white wash, soaked in the sun and salt water, and let the salt water cure my cold. I even caught a wave or two, which was nice.
We headed back to Escuela del Mundo, went and got some local food at the soda (gallo pinto, juevos, ensalada, jugo de limón), and then cooked in the sun by the pool until yoga.
Yoga time thoroughly kicked my ass and cleansed my body and soul. I have never sweated so much in my life, and it felt great. I had so much energy during class, and did some poses that I have never been able to do. This also did a good deal on my cold, and by the end, I felt nice and refreshed.
Through some connections, we were able to go to a free two hour pilates class en Playa Hermosa, which is a much more laid back beach than Jaco. We did half of the pilates class right on the beach, and the rest on a second floor hut overlooking the beach. Our sivasina was to thundering tropical rain surrounding us and ocean waves crashing against the sand. When class was done, we chatted with Ali, the entrepreneur that is opening this new pilates studio, and we watched the most incredible sunset from her boyfriend's restaurant next door. This is when we decided that it might be a good idea to extend our stay...
But, a night a Friday in Jacó isn't complete without some debauchery, so, to balance out a morning of health and happiness, we bought 5 forties of imperial and had ourselves a good ol' time with some beerpong and flipcup. Let´s just say team America held their own. Fuck ya. And, to cap of the night, in true baller fashion, not one, but TWO guys at the house got their third nipples pierced. Yes...their third nipples. No further comments are necessary.
I'm sad to see some of the coolest people we've met here head back, but I suppose that's all part of the traveling experience. It also gives us an excuse to have a reunion in the not-so-distant future.
Now, we're off on a few day adventure on the Caribbean coast.
¡Pura Vida!
We headed back to Escuela del Mundo, went and got some local food at the soda (gallo pinto, juevos, ensalada, jugo de limón), and then cooked in the sun by the pool until yoga.
Yoga time thoroughly kicked my ass and cleansed my body and soul. I have never sweated so much in my life, and it felt great. I had so much energy during class, and did some poses that I have never been able to do. This also did a good deal on my cold, and by the end, I felt nice and refreshed.
Through some connections, we were able to go to a free two hour pilates class en Playa Hermosa, which is a much more laid back beach than Jaco. We did half of the pilates class right on the beach, and the rest on a second floor hut overlooking the beach. Our sivasina was to thundering tropical rain surrounding us and ocean waves crashing against the sand. When class was done, we chatted with Ali, the entrepreneur that is opening this new pilates studio, and we watched the most incredible sunset from her boyfriend's restaurant next door. This is when we decided that it might be a good idea to extend our stay...
But, a night a Friday in Jacó isn't complete without some debauchery, so, to balance out a morning of health and happiness, we bought 5 forties of imperial and had ourselves a good ol' time with some beerpong and flipcup. Let´s just say team America held their own. Fuck ya. And, to cap of the night, in true baller fashion, not one, but TWO guys at the house got their third nipples pierced. Yes...their third nipples. No further comments are necessary.
I'm sad to see some of the coolest people we've met here head back, but I suppose that's all part of the traveling experience. It also gives us an excuse to have a reunion in the not-so-distant future.
Now, we're off on a few day adventure on the Caribbean coast.
¡Pura Vida!
Friday, July 10, 2009
A miracle
Yesterday, something miraculous happened. Yesterday, I stood up on my surfboard and rode not one, but a few Costa Rican waves. It wasn't pretty, nor was it graceful, and yes there were injuries, but man, it happened, and it felt good.
Truth be told, it would have been quite embarrassing had I not stood up yesterday. I mean, our instructor, Yeudi, is the baby amongst the instructors, and we have an inkling (or more than an inkling) that he was getting shit for our shittiness, which is, by the way, clearly our fault and not at all his fault.
So basically we decided it was time to stop being an embarrassment to our surfing instructor. Thus, the miracle.
Truth be told, it would have been quite embarrassing had I not stood up yesterday. I mean, our instructor, Yeudi, is the baby amongst the instructors, and we have an inkling (or more than an inkling) that he was getting shit for our shittiness, which is, by the way, clearly our fault and not at all his fault.
So basically we decided it was time to stop being an embarrassment to our surfing instructor. Thus, the miracle.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Biting My tongue
Girl Surfer 1: Man I like really want a tattoo. This girl that was here before got this really awesome tattoo that said "peace" in Arabic, it was like so cool.
Guy Surfer: Uh ya except she's going back and enlisting in the military, which is ironic...
Girl surfer 1: ya it like really made me want to get a tattoo.
Me: WTF!!!!
Guy Surfer: Uh ya except she's going back and enlisting in the military, which is ironic...
Girl surfer 1: ya it like really made me want to get a tattoo.
Me: WTF!!!!
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
A good ass-kicking
So I think it's fair to say that with all my indulgence (which I have very much enjoyed) this past month, I have needed a solid ass-kicking. I think this month will give me exactly that, and I love it.
Yesterday we began our surfing and yoga classes. At 2:30, we went to the beach for two hours of surfing fun...or waves kicking our asses repeatedly, whatever. It went a little something like this: Fight the waves until you get to the surf instructor, climb on the board, clinging to the edges for dear life, get pushed into the wave, attempt to stand (or not), fail, grab the board and do it all over again. For two hours. I mean, I kind of enjoyed the physically arduous task of getting tossed around helplessly for two hours...err...masochistic? Maybe. Needless to say, I did not gracefully stand up on the board and ride a beautiful Costa Rican wave as of yet, but what's the rush? We have a whole month!
An hour and a half after, we enter yoga class one, complete with jelly-like limbs from our previous debacle. I don't know which was more taxing, the physical exhaustion from trying to contort my body in vinyassa poses for an hour and a half, or the mental exhaustion from trying to reach a meditative state as mosquitoes eat my body alive. Next time, I will lather my body in bug spray.
And today, we do it all over again. I have to say, there is something gloriously relaxing about spending a month doing physically draining activities...They keep you focused in the present and don't give your mind the downtime necessary to obsess over anything remotely stressful or draining.
All in all, I could get used to this.
Yesterday we began our surfing and yoga classes. At 2:30, we went to the beach for two hours of surfing fun...or waves kicking our asses repeatedly, whatever. It went a little something like this: Fight the waves until you get to the surf instructor, climb on the board, clinging to the edges for dear life, get pushed into the wave, attempt to stand (or not), fail, grab the board and do it all over again. For two hours. I mean, I kind of enjoyed the physically arduous task of getting tossed around helplessly for two hours...err...masochistic? Maybe. Needless to say, I did not gracefully stand up on the board and ride a beautiful Costa Rican wave as of yet, but what's the rush? We have a whole month!
An hour and a half after, we enter yoga class one, complete with jelly-like limbs from our previous debacle. I don't know which was more taxing, the physical exhaustion from trying to contort my body in vinyassa poses for an hour and a half, or the mental exhaustion from trying to reach a meditative state as mosquitoes eat my body alive. Next time, I will lather my body in bug spray.
And today, we do it all over again. I have to say, there is something gloriously relaxing about spending a month doing physically draining activities...They keep you focused in the present and don't give your mind the downtime necessary to obsess over anything remotely stressful or draining.
All in all, I could get used to this.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Monteverde: Cloud Forest
The cloud forest en Monteverde has a series of 8 hanging bridges that allow one the surreal experience of floating above the tree tops and amongst the clouds.
It was a challenge to capture everything we were taking in via photos...
But this is a small taste.
Que disfruten.
Friday, July 03, 2009
Color accent happy
Gabs and my biggest struggle: naps. Yes, naps. We take them, convinced that we will wake up refreshed for a night on the town, but instead end up sleeping well through the night and into the morning hours.
Today we break that trend. It is 9:00 pm and we are sitting at a bar watching el partido de fútbol entre Costa Rica y El Salvador, with dos imperiales and our computers. Life is good.
Needless to say, today was a day of indulgence...but I suppose that has been the story of my life for the past month, and will likely be the story of my life for the near future.
After breakfast, complete with Gallo Pinto (which I have been craving since my days in Nicaragua) and fresh fruit (which Gabby loves...ha), we were whisked off towards Volcán Arenal and the Baldí hot springs.
One of the major highlights of our trek was our discovery of the color accent setting on our cameras. This setting has opened a world of picture-taking possibilities.
If you thought I was camera-happy before...you have no idea what this has done to me.
After a few tourist detours, we stopped for a "light lunch" which consisted of mounds of food at an open buffet, followed by a half hour full-body massage.
We then hit up the Tabacón hot springs...
The hot springs are near el volcán and are tucked into the rainforest. On a good day you can see the volcano from them.
On a day like today, the steam, mist, and fog all blend in together with the springs and waterfalls. I'll take it.
We decided that Tabacón is great honeymoon spot, or a great retired folks vacation spot. While it looks tranquil in the pics, it's actually an upscale hotel of sorts. If you ever venture to Tabacón, steer clear of the overpriced pool bar.
And this is when Gabby almost lost her swimsuit to the waterfall:
And some more color accents:
After our hot spring adventures and some more food indulgence, we finally arrived in pitch darkness to watch the flowing lava of el volcán...and what we saw was...nada. Darkness. Here are some pictures of us admiring the theoretical active volcano that exists behind the clouds:
All in all, I'm quite satisfied with this day, but the gluttony makes me crave a month of surfing, yoga and minimal eating binges even more. Now it's time for some more imperial and fútbol. Tomorrow, Monteverde.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Planeando
I've been here less than 24 hours and I think I'm extending my stay...
July 2: Explore San José, especialmente el mercado
July 3: Monteverde for rainforest and canopy tours
July 4th: Volcán Arenal and Baldí hot springs
July 5th-30th: Surfing and Yoga in Jacó. Weekend trips include kayak and snorkeling, waterfall hike, and a trip to the Caribbean Coast to meet up with Berger around Tortuguero.
July 30th-August 4th: Granada Nicaragua
August 5th: Return to NYC.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
En Costa Rica
After a crazy whirlwind of finishing my first year as a teacher, moving apartments, and celebrating MJ with some of my favorite people, Gabby and I have begun our Costa Rican Adventures.
We are currently in San Jose in a neighborhood called Barrio Amón. The cab driver was trying really hard to convince us not to come to this part of San Jose, but my trusted Lonely planet says it's the safest neighborhood to stay for tourists, so I'm feeling a little confused. So far it seems pleasant enough, although I don't want to spend too much time in the city.
We have five days before our surfing and yoga program begins in Jacó, so we'll spend today figuring out how to maximize those days before we take off.
I don't know if anyone still reads this blog, but I'll try to keep it updated during my month here, if for nothing else, then for conserving the clarity of memories made.
We are currently in San Jose in a neighborhood called Barrio Amón. The cab driver was trying really hard to convince us not to come to this part of San Jose, but my trusted Lonely planet says it's the safest neighborhood to stay for tourists, so I'm feeling a little confused. So far it seems pleasant enough, although I don't want to spend too much time in the city.
We have five days before our surfing and yoga program begins in Jacó, so we'll spend today figuring out how to maximize those days before we take off.
I don't know if anyone still reads this blog, but I'll try to keep it updated during my month here, if for nothing else, then for conserving the clarity of memories made.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
H1N1CATION!
PS 161 was shut down by the chancellor from Thursday May 28th until Tuesday June 2nd because of an unusually high number of absences due to flu-like symptoms. Hope no cases are confirmed...
On the plus side...that means 5 days of unexpected vacation!
Heeeya!
On the plus side...that means 5 days of unexpected vacation!
Heeeya!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Before Celebrating...
Before jumping up and down in celebration of my student's progress in their English Language Arts standardized test scores, it's important to critically examine the political motivations for showing gains in this year's test scores.
Seems to me that Bloomberg needs the scores to look good for his political ambitions, and the test was perhaps conveniently easier this year...
Standardized tests are just political ploys. They mean nothing.
Seems to me that Bloomberg needs the scores to look good for his political ambitions, and the test was perhaps conveniently easier this year...
Standardized tests are just political ploys. They mean nothing.